SOUTHEAST ASIA CONSTRUCTION11 Aug 2021
Lendlease announces new leadership appointments in Asia

Lendlease has appointed Steve Willett as managing director, construction, Asia and Sam Okeby as managing director, development, Asia. Both roles are effective 1 November 2021.

Mr Willett brings 28 years’ experience in the property and construction industry. He joined Lendlease in 1998 and has been working across Asia since 2004. He is currently regional operations director Asia based out of both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He had also spent over 13 years in Greater China in numerous roles, including managing director of China.

Mr Okeby joined Lendlease in 2016. He is currently head of office and industrial, Sydney, where he is responsible for the sector and product strategy. He was previously head of commercial, Sydney, leading the commercial business development team on office and education development projects. Prior to joining the company, Mr Okeby served as head of development at Australia Pacific Airports Corporation, where he was responsible for the development business.

In addition, Lendlease has appointed Sonia Khan as chief financial officer (CFO), Asia and Guy Cawthra as managing director, investment and capital markets, Asia. Both roles are effective immediately.

Ms Khan has over 19 years’ experience, with the last eight years in Asia. Previously executive general manager finance, TRX & Malaysia, she takes over the CFO Asia role from Justin Gabbani, who was appointed CEO Asia in June 2021.

A CFA Charterholder, Ms Khan has held roles covering strategy, mergers and acquisitions as well as financial, risk and capital management. She has worked in multiple regions including Sydney, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Mr Cawthra joined Lendlease in 2014 and is responsible for investment and capital markets. Since joining the company, he has been instrumental in the execution of transactions with institutional investment partners across Asia Pacific.

Mr Cawthra brings more than 20 years of professional experience and has undertaken roles in the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific real estate including strategy, research, business development and investment management.

Lendlease’s CEO Asia Justin Gabbani said, “I am pleased to welcome the new members to the Asia leadership team, who bring with them deep experience in their respective fields. I am confident the updated Asia structure places us well to deliver our strategy and growth ambitions, as well as enable greater efficiencies and consistency across our markets.”